Identifying and treating unobserved heterogeneity with FIMIX-PLS

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 208-224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucy M. Matthews ◽  
Marko Sarstedt ◽  
Joseph F. Hair ◽  
Christian M. Ringle
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Unobserved Heterogeneity ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Measurement Models ◽  
European Business ◽  
Number Of Segments

Purpose Part I of this article (European Business Review, Volume 28, Issue 1) offered an overview of unobserved heterogeneity in the context of partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), its prevalence and challenges for social sciences researchers. This paper aims to provide an example that explains how to identify and treat unobserved heterogeneity in PLS-SEM by using the finite mixture PLS (FIMIX-PLS) module in the SmartPLS 3 software (Part II). Design/methodology/approach This case study illustrates the application of FIMIX-PLS using a popular corporate reputation model. Findings The case study demonstrates the capability of FIMIX-PLS to identify whether unobserved heterogeneity significantly affects structural model relationships. Furthermore, it shows that FIMIX-PLS is particularly useful for determining the number of segments to extract from the data. Research limitations/implications Since the introduction of FIMIX-PLS, a range of alternative latent class techniques has appeared. These techniques address some of the limitations of the approach relating to, for example, its failure to handle heterogeneity in measurement models, or its distributional assumptions. This research discusses alternative latent class techniques and calls for the joint use of FIMIX-PLS and PLS prediction-oriented segmentation. Originality/value This article is the first to offer researchers, who have not been exposed to the method, an introduction to FIMIX-PLS. Based on a state-of-the-art review of the technique, the paper offers a step-by-step tutorial on how to use FIMIX-PLS by using the SmartPLS 3 software.

Identifying and treating unobserved heterogeneity with FIMIX-PLS: part I – method

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joe F. Hair, Jr. ◽  
Marko Sarstedt ◽  
Lucy M Matthews ◽  
Christian M Ringle
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Unobserved Heterogeneity ◽  
Information Criteria ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Measurement Models ◽  
Research Problems ◽  
European Business

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of unobserved heterogeneity in the context of partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), its prevalence and challenges for social science researchers. Part II – in the next issue (European Business Review, Vol. 28 No. 2) – presents a case study, which illustrates how to identify and treat unobserved heterogeneity in PLS-SEM using the finite mixture PLS (FIMIX-PLS) module in the SmartPLS 3 software. Design/methodology/approach – The paper merges literatures from various disciplines, such as management information systems, marketing and statistics, to present a state-of-the-art review of FIMIX-PLS. Based on this review, the paper offers guidelines on how to apply the technique to specific research problems. Findings – FIMIX-PLS offers a means to identify and treat unobserved heterogeneity in PLS-SEM and is particularly useful for determining the number of segments to extract from the data. In the latter respect, prior applications of FIMIX-PLS restricted their focus to a very limited set of criteria, but future studies should broaden the scope by considering information criteria, theory and logic. Research limitations/implications – Since the introduction of FIMIX-PLS, a range of alternative latent class techniques have emerged to address some of the limitations of the approach relating, for example, to the technique’s inability to handle heterogeneity in the measurement models and its distributional assumptions. The second part of this article (Part II) discusses alternative latent class techniques in greater detail and calls for the joint use of FIMIX-PLS and PLS prediction-oriented segmentation. Originality/value – This paper is the first to offer researchers who have not been exposed to the method an introduction to FIMIX-PLS. Based on a state-of-the-art review of the technique in Part I, Part II follows up by offering a step-by-step tutorial on how to use FIMIX-PLS in SmartPLS 3.

Case study of a structural model to explore the effects of knowledge sharing on intellectual capital

2016 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 338-352 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peyman Akhavan ◽  
Farnoosh Khosravian
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation Modeling ◽  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Intellectual Capital ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Measurement Model ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Content Type

Purpose It is commonly known that intellectual capital (IC) plays a remarkable role in organizations, especially in colleges and academic centers. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of knowledge sharing (KS) on IC. Design/methodology/approach Based on the extensive literature review, a questionnaire was designed. The questions were composed of two parts; KS questions and IC questions. In total, 352 students completed questionnaires in the Shahinshahr branch of Payam-e-Noor University. Structural equation modeling was used to develop the measurement model. Findings The findings showed that KS has a significant positive correlation with IC and its dimensions. The structural equation modeling confirmed the research model and showed a good match with it. Originality/value Given that this study aimed to examine KS and IC, it implies that with optimized knowledge management in universities, providing the infrastructures of KS and strengthening students’ motivational factors, KS capacities can be enhanced and IC of universities would be strengthened.

Researchers’ awareness about plagiarism and impact of plagiarism detection tools – does awareness effect the actions towards preventing plagiarism?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sk. Mamun Mostofa ◽  
Mashiat Tabassum ◽  
S.M. Zabed Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Personal Characteristics ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Plagiarism Detection ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Reported Study ◽  
Chi Square Test

Purpose This paper aims to analyse researchers’ awareness about plagiarism and impact of plagiarism detection tools on the actions that they take to prevent plagiarism. It also employs a structural model that examines whether awareness of plagiarism and anti-plagiarism tools have any significant effect on the actions taken by the researchers to avoid plagiarism. Design/methodology/approach A survey questionnaire was distributed to researchers at a large public university in Bangladesh. The survey accumulated 184 valid responses. Descriptive statistics were obtained to assess researchers’ awareness about plagiarism and impact of plagiarism detection tools and the actions taken by them. The reasons that may cause plagiarism were also identified. The awareness of the availability of the anti-plagiarism software that was being used by the university and its actual use by the researchers was gathered through the survey. Non-parametric Mann–Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis tests were conducted to investigate the differences in awareness levels and actions in terms of gender, age, discipline and current level of research. The chi-square test was carried out to examine the relationship between awareness about the availability of the anti-plagiarism software and its use by the researchers. Finally, the survey data were analysed using structural equation modeling to examine the effects of awareness of plagiarism and anti-plagiarism software on the actions taken by the researchers. Findings The study revealed that the level of awareness regarding plagiarism and impact of plagiarism detection software is generally high among the researchers. There are some significant differences between researchers’ demographic and personal characteristics and their awareness levels and actions with regard to plagiarism. The findings indicate that almost three-quarters of the researchers were aware about the anti-plagiarism tool that is being used, whereas more than half of the researchers indicated that they used the software to assess their works. The results of the structural equation model do not show a good fit, although there is strong statistical evidence that awareness about plagiarism and anti-plagiarism software has significantly impacted researchers’ actions towards preventing plagiarism. Originality/value There is no reported study on researchers’ awareness of plagiarism and its affiliated issues in Bangladesh. The findings of this study will not only provide useful insights regarding awareness about plagiarism but also assist university authorities to formulate relevant policy and take necessary actions against plagiarism in higher education institutions.

Teachers' digital technology access to motivation, skills and use: a structural equation modeling study

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Akhmad Habibi ◽  
Mohd Faiz Mohd Yaakob ◽  
Amirul Mukminin ◽  
Muhaimin Muhaimin ◽  
Lantip Diat Prasojo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation Modeling ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Teaching Experience ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Technology Access ◽  
School Location ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Instructional Use

PurposeThe current study aimed to develop and validate a scale to model factors affecting digital technology access for instructional use. The scale was mainly used to assess the structural model. Besides, tests of difference were addressed regarding digital technology access for instructional use based on gender, teaching experience and school location.Design/methodology/approachThe authors implemented a survey design in this study. A scale based on prior studies was developed, validated and piloted. The pilot study data were computed for an exploratory factor analysis. Further, partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and t-test procedures were used for the main data analysis (n.2677). The authors also included the importance-performance map analysis to extend of the results of the PLS-SEM.FindingsThe findings of the study successfully assessed the validity and reliability of the scale. All hypothetical relationships in the structural model were positively significant. The t-test results show that teaching experience and school location were significantly different regarding instructional use access; however, an insignificant difference emerged based on gender.Practical implicationsFailure in technology integration is possible if policies have not been carefully prepared. Therefore, users' perception is an essential factor in determining technology integration, including access to digital technology.Originality/valueThis research has the potential to enhance the understanding of access to digital technology in the context of developing countries by the elaboration of the proposed model's instrument development and validation, path analysis assessment and difference test examination with a large sample size. Also, the current study emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about digital technology access that the model can facilitate a valid and reliable foundation for future researchers interested in conducting similar types of research.

The effect of teaching style and academic enthusiasm of accounting and auditing students on stress, aggression, and anxiety

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Arash Arianpoor ◽  
Hameed Mohsen Khayoon
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Sampling Method ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Teaching Style ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Statistical Population ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Negative Effect

Purpose This study aims to investigate the effect of teaching style and academic enthusiasm of Iraqi accounting and auditing students on their stress, aggression and anxiety. Design/methodology/approach The statistical population in this study consists of two parts. The first is the Iraqi accounting and auditing students in Iran and the second is the Iraqi accounting and auditing students in Iraq. By available non-probability sampling method, 62 people (Iraqi students in Iran) and 102 (Iraqi students in Iraq) were selected as samples. In this research, a questionnaire was used to collect information. The validity of the questionnaire’s structure was confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis. Also, Cronbach’s alpha coefficients in this study indicating the measurement tool’s reliability. In this research, structural equation modeling has been used to analyze and test the hypotheses. The primary criteria for determining the coefficient and evaluating the path coefficients were used to evaluate the structural model. Findings Findings indicate that in Iraqi students in Iraq and Iraqi students in Iran, teaching style negatively affects stress, aggression and accounting and auditing students’ anxiety. Also, in the group of Iraqi students in Iraq and the group of Iraqi students in Iran, the eagerness to study has a significant negative effect on accounting and auditing students’ stress and anxiety. In contrast, the effect of the desire to study accounting and auditing students’ aggression was confirmed only in Iraqi students in Iraq. Originality/value As the accounting and auditing professions are among the most stressful occupations that increase the characteristics of aggression and anxiety in the employees of that profession, the results of leading research can show that the stress, anxiety and aggression of accounting and auditing students how to reduce through training so that their stress, anxiety and aggression do not appear in the workplace and the reports of accountants and auditors are not affected.

Analysis of interaction among the barriers to 5S implementation using interpretive structural modeling approach

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (7) ◽  
pp. 1834-1853 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rajesh Attri ◽  
Bhupender Singh ◽  
Sunil Mehra
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Structural Modeling ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Interpretive Structural Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Modeling Approach ◽  
Manufacturing Organizations ◽  
Top Management Commitment

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to ascertain and analyze the interactions among different barriers of 5S implementation in manufacturing organizations. Design/methodology/approach In this paper, 15 barriers affecting the implementation of 5S in manufacturing organizations have been identified from literature analysis and discussion with academic and industrial experts. Afterwards, identified barriers were validated by using nation-wide questionnaire-based survey. Then, interpretive structural modeling (ISM) approach has been utilized to find out the interaction among the identified barriers in order to develop hierarchy-based model. Findings The research identifies several key barriers which have high driving power and weak dependence power. In this concern, these barriers entail extreme care and handling for successful implementation of 5S. Financial constraints, lack of top management commitment, and no proper vision and mission are found to be the key barriers. Research limitations/implications The developed ISM model is based on experts’ opinion. This developed hierarchy-based model requires further validation by using structural equation modeling approach or by performing detailed case studies. Originality/value In this paper, ISM-based structural model has been recommended for Indian manufacturing organizations, which is a novel exertion in the area of 5S implementation.

The effect of supplier development initiatives on purchasing performance: a structural model

2005 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 289-301 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristóbal Sánchez‐Rodríguez ◽  
David Hemsworth ◽  
Ángel R. Martínez‐Lorente
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Manufacturing Industry ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Essential Element ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Supplier Development ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Different Levels

PurposeSupply chain management is an increasingly important organizational concern, and proper management of supplier relationships constitutes one essential element of supply chain success. However, there is little empirical research that has tested the effect of supplier development on performance. The main objective is to analyze the effect of supplier development practices with different levels of implementation complexity on the firm's purchasing performance.Design/methodology/approachThree supplier development constructs were defined: basic supplier development, moderate supplier development, and advanced supplier development. Three structural models were hypothesized and tested using structural equation modeling through field research on a sample of 306 manufacturing companies in Spain.FindingsIdentified important interrelationships among the various supplier development practices, basic, moderate, and advanced. Also indicated that the implementation of supplier development practices significantly contributes to the prediction of purchasing performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe use of a single key informant could be seen as a potential limitation of the study. The study was a cross‐sectional and descriptive sample of the manufacturing industry at a given point in time. A more stringent test of the relationships between the different levels of supplier development and performance requires a longitudinal study, or field experiment.Practical implicationsThis study focused on supplier development practices and revealed how involving suppliers in supplier development activities is important and may help buyers to increase their purchasing performance. The findings from the structural analysis should provide practicing managers with insights on how these practices and their benefits are related in terms of purchasing performance, thus affecting their ability to make better sourcing decisions.Originality/valueFills an important gap in the purchasing literature with respect to the area of supplier development. While there is much written about supplier development based on conceptual and case study research, this study is unique in that it is the first attempt to empirically model the relationships between different levels of supplier development and their impact on purchasing performance using a comprehensive set of practices.

scholarly journals PAY SATISFACTION AND ORGANISATIONAL TRUST: AN IMPORTANCE-PERFORMANCE MAP ANALYSIS

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Gabriel C. W. Gim ◽  
Wen-Sing Cheah
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Unobserved Heterogeneity ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Pay Satisfaction ◽  
Model Assessment ◽  
Four Dimensions ◽  
Performance Map ◽  
Map Analysis ◽  
Organisational Trust

Using social exchange theory and equity theory, this paper examined the relationship between the four dimensions of pay satisfaction and organisational trust among Malaysian employees. The four dimensions of pay satisfaction are pay benefit satisfaction, pay level satisfaction, pay raise satisfaction,and pay structure and administration satisfaction. Questionnaires were distributed to Malaysians working in several industries. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to assess both the measurement and structural model. Results from the structural model revealed that pay benefit satisfaction, pay raise satisfaction, and pay structure and administration satisfaction were positively related to organisational trust. To complement the standard structural model assessment, robustness checks were performed on the structural model in terms of non-linear effects, endogeneity, and unobserved heterogeneity. The checks concluded that there were no issues with regards to nonlinear effects and unobserved heterogeneity. However, the endogeneity test indicated that pay structure and administration satisfaction could be endogenous. Importance-performance map analysis (IPMA) was also performed to gauge the importance and performance of each dimension of pay satisfaction against organisational trust. The IPMA results revealed that pay structure and administration satisfaction was the most important factor yet it attained the lowest score on performance indicating that organisations in Malaysia should make an improvement to their pay structure and administration satisfaction.

The effect of clustering on competitiveness improvement in Hebron

2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (5) ◽  
pp. 631-654 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ibrahim M. Awad ◽  
Alaa A. Amro
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Model Building ◽  
Measurement Model ◽  
Background Information ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to map the cluster in the leather and shoes sector for improving the competitiveness of the firms. Toward this end, the study is organized to examine the impact of clustering on competitiveness improvement. The influence of competitive elements and performance (Porter’s diamond) and balanced score card was utilized. Design/methodology/approach A random sample of 131 respondents was chosen during the period from May 2016 to July 2016. A structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis was applied to investigate the research model. This approach was chosen because of its ability to test casual relationships between constructs with multiple measurement items. Researchers proposed a two-stage model-building process for applying SEM. The measurement model was first examined for instrument validation, followed by an analysis of the structural model for testing associations hypothesized by the research model. Findings The main findings show that there is a unidirectional causal relationship between improvements of performance and achieve competitiveness and also reveal that the Palestinian shoes and leather cluster sector is vital and strong, and conclude that clustering can achieve competitiveness for small- and medium-sized enterprises. Research limitations/implications Future research can examine the relationship between clustering and innovation. The effect of clustering using other clustering models other than Porter’s model is advised to be used for future research. Practical implications The relationships among clustering and competitiveness may provide a practical clue to both, policymakers and researchers on how cluster enhances economic firms such as a skilled workforce, research, development capacity, and infrastructure. This is likely to create assets such as trust, synergy, collaboration and cooperation for improved competitiveness. Originality/value The findings of this study provide background information that can simultaneously be used to analyze relationships among factors of innovation, customer’s satisfaction, internal business and financial performance. This study also identified several essential factors in successful firms, and discussed the implications of these factors for developing organizational strategies to encourage and foster competitiveness.

Modelling Museum Visitors’ Perception and Experience of Authenticity: Examining Heterogeneity with a Finite Mixture Model

2021 ◽  
Vol 56 ◽  
pp. 0-0
Author(s):  
Claudia Bauer-Krösbacher ◽  
Josef Mazanec
Keyword(s):  
Latent Variable ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Unobserved Heterogeneity ◽  
Model Fitting ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Finite Mixture ◽  
Museum Visitors ◽  
Specific Strength

Purpose. In this study, the authors explore the role of museum visitors’ perceptions and experiences of authenticity. They introduce several variants of authenticity experience and analyse how they are intertwined and feed visitor satisfaction. Method. The authors apply a multi-step model fitting and validation procedure including inferred causation methods and finite mixture modelling to verify whether the visitors’ perceptions of authenticity are subject to unobserved heterogeneity. They elaborate an Authenticity Model that demonstrates out-of-sample validity and generalisability by being exposed to new data for another cultural attraction in another city. Then, they address the heterogeneity hypothesis and evaluate it for the case study with the larger sample. Findings. In both application cases, the Sisi museum in Vienna and the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, the empirical results support the assumed cause-effect sequence, translating high quality information display—from traditional and multimedia sources—into Perceived Authenticity and its experiential consequences such as Depth and Satisfaction. Accounting for unobserved heterogeneity detects three latent classes with segment-specific strength of relationships within the structural model. Research and conclusions limitations. The combined latent-class, structural-equation model needs validation with another sample that would have to be larger than the available Guinness database. Future studies will have to complement the purely data-driven search for heterogeneity with theory-guided reasoning about potential causes of diversity in the strength of the structural relationships. Practical implications. Cultural heritage sites are among the attractions most typical of city tourism. History tends to materialise in the artefacts accumulated by the population among the urban agglomerations, and museums are the natural places for preserving exhibits of cultural value. Authenticity must be considered an important quality assessment criterion for many visitors, whereby, the distinction between object authenticity and existential authenticity is crucial. Originality. In addition to making substantive contributions to authenticity theory, the authors also extend previous research in terms of methodological effort. Authenticity research, so far, has neither exploited inferred causation methods nor combined latent variable modelling with detecting unobserved heterogeneity. Type of paper: Research article.

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